Hydrobius fuscipes
This record describes Hydrobius fuscipes (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 8 mm with dark brown or black elytra, each with 10 grooved striae - the grooves fading towards the front, especially centrally. The legs are paler brown. The antennae have black clubs. Usually found in ponds and small pools with bank side vegetation. All year round, but peaking July to September. The larvae usually appear in May or June and feed on small insects in the water. The adults feed on submerged detritus.
Wikipedia reference for Hydrobius fuscipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrobius_fuscipes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophilinae
- Tribe
- Hydrobiusini
- Genus
- Hydrobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in ponds and small pools with bank side vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
All year round, but peaking July to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae usually appear in May or June and feed on small insects in the water. The adults feed on submerged detritus.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydrobius fuscipes. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hydrobius fuscipes (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrobius fuscipes
What is Hydrobius fuscipes?
Hydrobius fuscipes is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hydrobius fuscipes?
6 to 8 mm with dark brown or black elytra, each with 10 grooved striae - the grooves fading towards the front, especially centrally. The legs are paler brown. The antennae have black clubs.
Where is Hydrobius fuscipes found?
Habitat: Usually found in ponds and small pools with bank side vegetation.
When is Hydrobius fuscipes active?
Hydrobius fuscipes: seasonal activity - All year round, but peaking July to September..
What is the life cycle of a Hydrobius fuscipes?
The larvae usually appear in May or June and feed on small insects in the water. The adults feed on submerged detritus.